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Learn to Earn or NILIF is one of the basic foundations of dog training. It often serves as a foundation for behavioral modification programs that are used to help resolve existing problem behaviors. In very few words, it involves teaching a simple behavior such as sitting before giving your dog anything he wants. In reality there is a bit more to it, the links at the bottom of this page will guide you on how to introduce it to your dog.

It is an enjoyable and effective way of teaching your dog to make good behavioral choices without force.

It will teach your dog basic skills to stop and listen to you; without yelling or having to repeat yourself!

Learn to Earn stabilizes behavior and helps establish calmness.

NILIF is similar to teaching a child to politely ask for things by saying "please"!

The concept is used by positive method trainers and veterinary behavior specialists. It is a deference training program that has been given many different names.

Every trainer or behaviorist may have a slight variation on the theme, but the basic message is the same--to stop and ask politely for everything in life!

Teaching to ?Say Please? also works beautifully for shy or fearful dogs. Each reward they earn, by responding to you, is a success for them! An animal who knows a set of consistent, workable rules for life, experiences a feeling of competence and safety. This is how we feel when we understand what?s expected of us on our jobs. It is like the feeling of satisfaction we all know for a job well done. Teaching a fearful dog to feel safe helps change an uncomfortable emotion and may prevent the fear from escalating into aggression.

NILIFdoes not mean your doggy has to be in "Boot Camp", if taken in the right spirit, NILIF functions as a teaching program based on reciprocity and exchange between you and your dog. Done correctly it can actually be fun and build your dog's confidence! If a 24/7 hour program seems daunting or too harsh, start by asking for it consistently on a few easy behaviors each and every day and build up the ?Say Please? habit a little bit at a time.

Consistency will be key! People who teach manners erratically have dogs that remain clueless about human rules. The program needs to send a consistent, clear, and reliable message to your dog. This may seem strict, but giving your dog consistency gives him security and removes the fear and anxiety of the unknown. Dogs want and need their people to be predictable! This is not about being dominant over the dog but offering leadership without force. Everyone who interacts with the dog needs to be part of the program, this includes family, friends, and neighbors.

There is no force or punishment in this program. If your dog does not say please by sitting, or performing an alternately trained behaivor, he simply does not get what he wanted at that moment. He does not get petted, he does not get the treat or the meal, you stop putting the leash on, he does not get to go out the door or go after the ball. You simply stop, ignore the dog, or walk away. Give your pet a moment to reconsider. If your pet then chooses to sit, instantly reward the behavior and move forward. Behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated! Scoldng or shoving down a jumping dog, or a dog that skipped "saying please", is often misinterpreted by the dog. Giving any kind of attention, even if meant as negative, my still reinforce the undesireable behavior. Worse yet is that punishment may escalate fear and confusion for the dog.

To start to teach your dog the Learn to Earn Program you have to have the proper "currency" to pay him! When teaching something that is new, and that might be difficult at the start, you have to find a fabulous currency your dog is willing to work for! This might mean something like cooked bits of chicken breast, liver dog treats, cheese, or peanut butter. It may take some experimentation to find that special treat that your dog is willing to do anything for.

Over time, once your dog perfects the skill, and can easily perform the task; rewards can be pieces of your dog's regular dog kibble, dry cookie treats, praise, or just being given permission to go out the door or chase the ball!

Dr. Sophia Yin, internationally acclaimed veterinarian and animal behaviorist, has written a great blog on her website describing her version of Learn to Earn. In chapter 5 of her book, Perfect Puppy in 7 Days, you will also find a complete and thorough discussion of the topic. You can purchase or download her book at the link.

Click below for links to Dr. Yin's blog entries and to learn how to teach this to your dog!

Dr. Yin's LEARN TO EARN POSTER This is a handy illustrated poster from Dr. Yin that you can print out and hang up for a quick and easy reminder system for the entire family on the basic rules of the Learn to Earn Program.

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